Synopsis
The Geometry of Rene Descartes is a book written by the famous philosopher and mathematician Rene Descartes. Published in 1637, it is one of the most significant works in the history of mathematics. The book is a treatise on analytical geometry, which is the study of geometric shapes using algebraic equations. In it, Descartes introduced the concept of coordinate geometry, which is the use of mathematical coordinates to represent points and shapes in space. This idea revolutionized the field of mathematics and paved the way for the development of calculus and other advanced mathematical concepts. The book contains numerous examples and proofs, and it is written in a clear and concise style that is accessible to both mathematicians and non-mathematicians alike. The Geometry of Rene Descartes is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of mathematics or the development of modern science.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
From the Back Cover
This is an unabridged republication of the definitive English translation of one of the very greatest classics of science. Originally published in 1637, it has been characterized as "the greatest single step ever made in the progress of the exact sciences" (John Stuart Mill); as a book which "remade geometry and made modern geometry possible" (Eric Temple Bell). It "revolutionized the entire conception of the object of mathematical science" (J. Hadamard).With this volume Descartes founded modern analytical geometry. Reducing geometry to algebra and analysis and, conversely, showing that analysis may be translated into geometry, it opened the way for modern mathematics. Descartes was the first to classify curves systematically and to demonstrate algebraic solution of geometric curves. His geometric interpretation of negative quantities led to later concepts of continuity and the theory of function. The third book contains important contributions to the theory of equations.This edition contains the entire definitive Smith-Latham translation of Descartes' three books: Problems the Construction of which Requires Only Straight Lines and Circles; On the Nature of Curved Lines; and On the Construction of Solid and Supersolid Problems. Interleaved page by page with the translation is a complete facsimile of the 1637 French text, together with all Descartes' original illustrations; 248 footnotes explain the text and add further bibliography.
Translated by David E. Smith and Marcia L. Latham.
About the Author
Ren? Descartes, known as the Father of Modern Philosophy and inventor of Cartesian coordinates, was a seventeenth century French philosopher, mathematician, and writer. Descartes made significant contributions to the fields of philosophy and mathematics, and was a proponent of rationalism, believing strongly in fact and deductive reasoning. Working in both French and Latin, he wrote many mathematical and philosophical works including The World, Discourse on a Method, Meditations on First Philosophy, and Passions of the Soul. He is perhaps best known for originating the statement I think, therefore I am.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
